Trae Williams Scouting Report

Trae Williams, CB, South Florida

South Florida boasts one of the most active, playmaking defenses in the nation; which features one of the country's top cornerback tandems in Mike Jenkins and Trae Williams. While many scouts are already well aware of Mike Jenkins' talents, Williams (his partner in defense)is more than deserving of his own share of attention. While Jenkins is bigger and more known for his cover skills, Williams is just an absolute playmaker in the secondary. If the ball is in his vicinity, watch out! In 2006, he made 49 tackles and picked off seven passes, with nine more passes broken up. As a result, he was a first-team All-Big East performer and he was also named the team's defensive MVP. His senior season got off to a slower pace, but made up for it and then some with his torrid finish to the regular season. Williams returned interceptions for touchdowns in each of the last three games - a 64-yarder against Cincinnati, a 73-yarder against Louisville, and a 21-yarder against Pittsburgh. Going into the Bulls' bowl game, Williams has 50 tackles, six interceptions, and 10 pass breakups. In his four-year career, he has 160 tackles, 16 interceptions, and 27 pass breakups. Excellent cover skills - check. Ball hawk - check. Serious playmaker - check. Speed - check. The difference in Williams' being a high, high pick and falling into the second or third round is inches - literally. If he was a few inches taller, he would be rated higher. But, with so many tall, physical receivers in the NFL, it's understandable if there might be worries about him getting dominated by guys with a four to six(or more) inch height advantage on him. But, he has the speed to stay stride for stride in most matchups and will put himself in a position to make plays regularly. Even though he won't get any taller, if he adds some bulk, he'll give himself an even better chance against the bigger receivers. With so many bigger corners available, he might have to wait on into the evening on Day One to hear his name called. But size concerns aside, Williams has the tools to be a starter within a short time and should go sometime on that first day; but don't rule out the chance he could make a move and end up going off of the board not too long after his secondary mate (or ahead, if Jenkins falls because of character concerns), if a team picks him solely on his skills and potential. Update (3/19/08): Up until USF's Pro Day on the 7th, Williams hadn't done much for his draft stock (especially at the combine) when he couldn't break 4.5 in the 40. However, he bettered his 40 time at USF's Pro Day, running a 4.48, and he also posted a solid time of 7.03 seconds in the 3-cone drill. Williams is likely a middle-round pick at this point.